Some authors say that their characters get out of control and do or say things the authors never meant them to. I haven’t really found that to happen. My characters are usually in full agreement with what I want them to say. However, the SITUATIONS can develop in ways I didn’t plan them to–which makes writing fun!
Tag: editing
Editing is a big job!
I have had two very good editors over the past few years, who have affirmed as well as criticized. What I am about to say is absolutely no reflection on them.
Let me assure you–getting your manuscript edited is a mammoth, huge, colossal undertaking. It is necessary to listen to someone who will point out all the mistakes in your precious story and disagree with you on how to say things. What I have found through first-hand scientific research is that THIS IS NOT EASY.
However, it makes the story better, which is good for the readers. I love writing but I don’t write for me–I write for my readers. So what makes the story better for them is more important than anything else. Plus, it could possibly be said that a little humbling is maybe good for me. 🙂
Perfectionist? Coward?
I told people I was going to get Benk and the Ugly Princess out in the summer and it is now the end of September. I have worked and worked and am still working on the manuscript. Errors, words used too often, things to leave out, things to say better—the process of editing just goes on and on. I could spend 3 more years editing my story, but there’s a time to stop and let it go.
I don’t know whether I have been a perfectionist or simply a coward. I write my stories to share—there’s no doubt in my mind about that, but on the other hand, once a beloved story goes out, it’s exposed and I’m vulnerable. What I have to remind myself is that I am also blessed. It’s so much fun to imagine a story and put it into words. The creativity is deeply satisfying and I feel a partnership with God, the ultimate creator, who makes light sparkle on wet leaves until they look like little stars in a green sky. Me, a partner with Him? Ridiculous. And yet it’s happened and has been the joy of my life.
So I’m going to wrap up my editing and put this new story out.